Open Poetry #8 |
Walkin' With Joe |
BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919New York, USA |
We sat around the campfire, listening to the tale, About a ragtag little man, whose stature was quite frail, It's said he was a hermit, who, but for his dogs, lived alone, He only came out on those nights, when a dusky full moon shone. No one knew how he spent his days, hidden in his shack, But from within they could often hear, a mysterious chip, chop.....whack. Finally one night, so it's told, kids followed him through the dark, He carried a large burlap sack, as he wandered into the park. He followed a path to it's end, then went into the woods, The kids silently crept behind, until they saw where he stood. Scared to go beyond the edge, and step into the jagged rows, When one finally garnered the courage, suddenly his footsteps froze. The hermit was opening up the sack, he was reaching down inside, The kid let out a whimpering scream, and looked for a place to hide. As he watched from behind a stone, that read "here lies Susie Q," The old man took out the strangest thing, as he whispered "I love you." An angel carved from an old oak tree, sanded and polished to shine, Was gently placed by a stone engraved, "You'll always have what is mine." The kid heard the old man crying, and knew he had nothing to fear, As he slowly walked up behind him, and whispered in his ear. "Sir, this angel is lovely, you must have worked quite hard, Please tell me all about it, as I walk you back to your yard." The old man simply nodded, as he turned to walk away, Kissing his hand and touching the stone, saying "Sleep well my Dear Little May" And as they walked he opened up, and told the boy of his child, Though his eyes were glistening, as he spoke of her he smiled. The boy left him at his gate, then went home to bed, But he knew he'd visit everyday, in all the years ahead. He'd learned how lonely this man was, how he missed his little girl, Whose hand he used to love to hold, whose hair he used to curl. How suddenly she'd been stricken, with an illness and then died, How the man had stayed alone, in his shack all day and cried. How he carved the angel, from the tree where she would swing, And how he'd used his rusty axe, to shape each little wing. As the fire started fading, and we sat in the ember's glow, We knew we'd always remember, that lonely man, called Joe. [This message has been edited by BSC (edited 07-05-2000).] |
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© Copyright 2000 Bonnie Church - All Rights Reserved | |||
redheart angrybraids Member
since 2000-04-16
Posts 410honolulu, hawaii |
this was a beautiful story poem, i couldn't wait to find out what was in the bag. how precious, have you evere thought about writing childrens storys, this would end up as an old fairy tale, it's so intriguing and mystical. Kindly, Redheart Angrybraids |
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ellie LeJeune Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156King of Prussia, PA USA |
Oh, Bonnie; What an enchanting and beautiful poem and story. This really had me enthralled. You are so gifted! You have such a wonderful way with words and your imagination just soars to heaven. Wow! Love, Ellie Summers haunting melody that awakens the butterflies, calling them to join the dance in their silent song of praise to God. ellie LeJeune |
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BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919New York, USA |
Angrybraids - Thanks so much for reading and for your kind reply. Ellie - Thank you friend, thought I'd try something a little different. The words from both of you are encouraging. Bonnie |
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MagnoliaBlue Member
since 2000-05-12
Posts 367 |
Please! Please! *don't make June beg* Click or do whatever you have to do so that this can be voted on for the book. I will come back and vote for it when you do! This is just so neat and lovely and has to be included. Yes, listen to all that are telling you to write for children... I have thought that from some of your other writings as well. MagnoliaBlue ~My Skipper Jim I love you! Your Lady June~ |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Bonnie~ This is a stunning departure for you. You have done this story justice. So very, very well-done. I enjoyed it so much. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ [email protected] |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Bonnie this was a remarkable story! Tried something different? You sure made it flow, and with an old tug on the heartstrings! |
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BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919New York, USA |
June - Wow, thank you so much. Marge - Thanks for your encouraging words, I was hoping it was ok. Rebecca - Yeah, a little something different, thanks for your kind reply. And....Thank you all for reading. Bonnie |
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monte Junior Member
since 2000-06-22
Posts 33 |
I agree with everyone, you should be writing children's books, Also I want to vote on this so get it in the contest. A sure winner. Good job Bonnie Sue |
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